Oxford Playhouse - What's On Guide Spring 2022

Oxford Playhouse

WHAT’S ON GUIDE SPRING 2022

November 2021 to May 2022

#SmileWithOP

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#SmileWithOP

Welcome ‘Thank you to the team at the Playhouse for saving the theatre for future generations (wonderful!).’

So said one of the thousands of audience members who have been in touch over the last year and a half, with words of support, kindness and hard cash. It is a testament to the very real affection felt for the Playhouse that 6760 people have donated to our Plays On campaign, launched days after our closure in March 2020. Everyone at the Playhouse was determined to survive somehow, but those early weeks and months before the merest whisper from government of the Culture Recovery Fund were very bleak. Your support and faith in the theatre kept us going. Thank you.

We saw the best of our team, with staff swiftly adapting to online and digital working.

Our very first livestreamed event reached over 1000 people and brought together Stephen Fry, Marcus Brigstocke and a host of talents to celebrate A Theatre Near You. Mindful of the devastating impact the pandemic had on the livelihoods of freelance artists, OP commissioned 6 new digital plays and joined a consortium of regional theatres to make original adaptations of The Picture of Dorian Gray and Going the Distance with a panoply of stars. While we’re delighted to be back in Sherwood Forest with Robin Hood and his Merry Band for panto, Christmas 2020 saw us stream 3 different family pieces, including a wonderful production of Father Christmas which was streamed for free to the Oxford Children’s Hospital and 46 primary schools in the city.

Here’s just some of the other things the Playhouse team worked on while we were closed: • 1800 children took part in our Primary Playmaker scheme which supports literacy work in local schools.

• 280 babies and toddlers sang along online to Hey Diddle Diddle.

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• 5000+ people watched our Playhouse at Home programme.

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• 1500 people took part in the myriad of creative projects and opportunities, from the wonderful Tea Talks (with Age UK), Sound Stories (with Oxfordshire Association for the Blind), and Drama Workshops for teenagers with special needs (KEEN) and Be Free Young Carers.

• 4 artists on attachment graduated from our Evolve programme; and 6 writers spent a year on the Playhouse Playmaker scheme.

• We delivered 30 advice sessions and over 250 hours of mentoring to artists.

• We kept the building open, hosting the University’s Said Business School for socially-distanced and streamed lectures.

Fast forward – and my how fast it went! – to Autumn 2021, and we’re back to full capacity, with audiences returning in record numbers to see live performance again, assured that the theatre is taking every possible precaution to keep us all safe. Those interim months were not all gloom and worry: so many people stepped up to help and inspire us along the way. There were many silver linings, and being able to say welcome back to YOUR theatre has never felt more true.

We hope you enjoy the many wonderful shows and events we have lined up for you this season. We missed you!

• Our backstage and operations teams completed much-needed maintenance, redesigning our workshops and installing a brand new digital and filming studio, which is already earning us fees for filming and streaming visiting companies.

Louise Chantal

Vanessa Lefrançois Joint Directors / CEO

These productions have been created here in the county, either by Oxford Playhouse or by local artists, amateur and professional.

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Theatre and events especially for families.

Come and play in the foyer area before and after the show.

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Don’t miss...

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Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Oxford Playhouse and Theatre Royal Bath present

BLUE/ORANGE A razor-sharp satire for today

By Joe Penhall Directed by James Dacre In a London psychiatric hospital, a mysterious patient wants out. The problem is that, to him, oranges are bright blue and Muhammed Ali is a whole lot more than just a boxer.

As his doctor and senior consultant debate whether to section or release him, an extraordinary new claim causes them to become more and more divided in their diagnosis.

Their power struggle escalates into a startling and provocative exploration of power and privilege, revealing uncomfortable truths about all three men.

Twenty years after Joe Penhall’s (Mindhunter, The Road) ground-breaking Blue/Orange premiered, he collaborates with Giles Terera (winner of the 2018 Olivier Award for Hamilton), Michael Balogun (Death Of England, National Theatre), Ralph Davis (Small Axe) and Royal & Derngate’s Artistic Director James Dacre (2020 Olivier Award Nominee Our Lady Of Kibeho) on a brand new production shining new light upon this incendiary interrogation of power and privilege in modern Britain. The play won the Olivier, Critics’ Circle and Evening Standard awards for Best New Play in 2001.

Tue 16 to Sat 20 Nov Evenings 7.30pm Matinee Sat 2.30pm Tickets from £10 FULL CIRCLE AND ENJOY

50%OFF TUE OR SAT MAT

A limited number of £5 tickets are available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 14+ Post show talk Wed

OPINION “This critically acclaimed play gets an electric new revival in our latest Oxford Playhouse co-production.

A dream cast not to be missed.”

Laura Elliot Programme Director

Access performances

See pages 56-57

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An Oxford PlayhouSe pantomime Sat 27 Nov 2021 to Sun 9 Jan 2022

Written and directed by Steve Marmion

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Oh yes it is!

Everyone’s favourite panto back at last.

£4 nodfufnder,

a Age 18 S staff, NH ents & e stud f full timin receipt o those al Credit. s r e Univ ats se es £15 Exclud quired ID re

Robin Hood – what a legend! Feared by the bad, loved by the good, taking from the rich to give to the poor. There’s no doubt that Robin Hood and his Merry Band are our favourite outlaws, especially when they treat us to songs, dance, laughter and derring-do in an Oxford Playhouse Christmas Panto!

Robin and his mates Marian, Scarlett Will, Big John and Friar Tuck, have been forced undercover in Sherwood Forest by the out-and-out nastiness of the wicked Sheriff of Nottingham. Will our rebel heroes get the better of him, find a way to outwit the forces of evil and build a brighter future?

Come along and find out in this traditional (with a modern twist) pantomime with a cornucopia of popular songs and dances. We can’t wait to see all of you back here; to share in the magic and sparkle that is Christmas at Oxford Playhouse.

Sher-wood be a crime to miss it...so book your tickets without delay and get ready to shout for the goodies, boo the baddies, sing along with the merry folk in green tights and cheer all the heroes who’ve come to our rescue in these extraordinary times!

The Guardian on Beauty and the Beast

R For dates, times, socially distanced and access performance details visit:

www.oxfordplayhouse.com www.oxfordplayhouse.com

For everyone aged 5 to 105!

TICKET FROM S £15

© Illustration: www.korkypaul.com

“A song-packed feast of fun... the 9 year old was jigging and clapping with reckless abandon - the ultimate tribute.”

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An Oxford Playhouse production

Written & created by Eleanor Warr and Alex Lui

Thu 9 Dec to Fri 31 Dec 2021 ©Illustrations by Kati Lacey

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Kayla’s mum is away a lot, but Kayla doesn’t mind. She’s got Snowy, her teddy and Grandpa - plus Mum always sends postcards. But on Christmas Eve, Kayla decides to go on her own adventure.

Join Kayla and Snowy as they journey around the world, making new friends with the animals they meet along the way!

But what about Grandpa left behind? Will Kayla and Snowy get back home in time for Christmas?

Take a starlight adventure with amazing puppets made by theatre company Smoking Apples.

OPINION "We can’t wait to have Christmas back in the Burton Taylor! This delightful new production about a young girl with a huge imagination will take us on a worldwide festive journey."

Laura Elliot Programme Director

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Tickets OFF PEAK £10.50 Children £8.50 PEAK £12 Children £10 Age guideline 3 to 7

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All dates/times are relaxed performances

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Mon 17 to Sat 22 Jan

John Mackay in association with Debi Allen / Curtis Brown present

7.30pm

STEWART LEE

Tickets £26.50 Discounts available

Age guideline 14+

SNOWFLAKE / TORNADO Stewart Lee returns to the Playhouse stage with a doublebill of two 60-minute sets, back-to-back each evening from “the world’s greatest living stand-up” (Times).

The first half, Snowflake, has been heavily rewritten in the light of the two years the show has been laid off, looking at how the Covid-Brexit era has impacted on the culture war declared on lovely woke snowflakes by horrible people.

The second half, Tornado, questions Stew’s position in the comedy marketplace after Netflix mistakenly listed his show as “reports of sharks falling from the skies are on the rise again. Nobody on the Eastern Seaboard is safe.”

“The world’s greatest living stand-up.”

Times

★★★★★ “There’s no-one else to touch him.”

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Photo credit: Geraint Lewis

BLACK IS THE COLOR OF MY VOICE Written and directed by Apphia Campbell Fringe First award-winner Apphia Campbell’s acclaimed production heads on an extensive national tour, after sell-out seasons in Shanghai, New York, Edinburgh, and in the West End of London.

Thu 10 Feb 7.30pm Tickets from £10 Discounts available A limited number of £5 tickets are available for OPTin! members

Inspired by the life of Nina Simone, Black Is The Color Of My Voice follows a successful jazz singer and civil rights activist seeking redemption after the untimely death of her father.

Age guideline 12+

She reflects on the journey that took her from a young piano prodigy destined for a life in the service of the church, to a renowned jazz vocalist at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement.

OPINION “One of the most moving and enraging evenings I’ve ever had in a theatre.”

★★★★ “Moving portrayal of determination and survival.”

Louise Chantal Joint Director & CEO

The Times

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Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Cheltenham Everyman Theatre present Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly in

THE DRESSER Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly star in this funny and affectionate portrait of backstage life.

Inspired by memories of working as Donald Wolfit’s dresser as a young man, Ronald Harwood’s evocative, affectionate and hilarious portrait of backstage life is one of the most acclaimed dramas of modern theatre.

Olivier award-winner Matthew Kelly stars as an aging actor manager, known to his loyal acting company as ‘Sir’, who is struggling to cling on to his sanity and complete his two hundred and twenty seventh performance of King Lear.

Julian Clary stars as Norman, Sir’s devoted dresser who ensures that, in spite of everything, the show goes on.

For sixteen years Norman has been there to fix Sir’s wig, massage his ego, remind him of his opening lines and provide the sound effects in the storm scene.

★★★★ “A gloriously gamey turn from Kelly.”

Daily Mail

“Poignant, funny and utterly authentic.”

The Mail on Sunday

“A hugely entertaining evening, rich in comic moments.”

The Sunday Times

“An absolute triumph…a delight… anyone who loves theatre will absolutely love this play.”

Bath Chronicle

Tue 25 to Sat 29 Jan Evenings Tue, Wed, Thu & Sat 7.30pm Fri 8pm Matinees Wed, Thu & Sat 2.30pm Socially distanced performance Wed 2.30pm Tickets from £10 Discounts available FULL CIRCLE AND ENJOY

25% OFF TUE OR SAT MAT

A limited number of £5 tickets available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 12+ Spotlight Thu Mat More info on page 51

Post show talk Wed Eve OPINION “What a treat to welcome national treasures Julian Clary and Matthew Kelly to our stage once again!”

Laura Elliot Programme Director

Access performances

See pages 56-57

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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University of Oxford Student Company: 00Productions presents

SWEENEY TODD The Demon Barber of Fleet Street A Musical Thriller Music and Lyrics by

Book by

STEPHEN SONDHEIM

HUGH WHEELER

From an Adaptation by

CHRISTOPHER BOND Originally Directed on Broadway by

HAROLD PRINCE Orchestrations by

JONATHAN TUNICK Set against the backdrop of gloomy Victorian London, Sweeney Todd follows the infamous tale of the razorswinging barber and his pie shop-owning partner-in-crime, Mrs Lovett.

With a spoonful of murder, a dash of cannibalism and a sprinkle of young sweet love, Sondheim’s much-loved musical beautifully blends psychological drama and shocking plot twists to create the ultimate musical thriller.

Come along for one of Mrs Lovett’s scrumptious pies; just don’t ask what’s in them...

Wed 2 to Sat 5 Feb Evenings Wed, Thu & Sat 7.30pm Fri 8pm Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm Socially distanced performance Thu 2.30pm Tickets from £10 Discounts available Students/18 & under: Best available seats £10 (must be booked by Sun 30 Jan) FULL CIRCLE AND ENJOY

50%OFF WED OR SAT MAT

A limited number of £5 tickets are available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 12+

Director Imogen Albert

Originally produced on Broadway by Richard Barr, Charles Woodward, Robert Fryer, Mary Lea Johnson, Martin Richards in association with Dean and Judy Manos.

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.co.uk

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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Mon 21 to Wed 23 Feb 7.30pm Tickets from £10 Discounts available FULL CIRCLE AND ENJOY

50%OFF MON

A limited number of £5 tickets are available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 13+

OPINION “HighTide are the watermark of new writing quality.”

HighTide and New Wolsey Theatre present

WHEN THE LONG TRICK’S OVER

By Morgan Lloyd Malcolm I’m so scared. And yet…

I’m also looking… Just in case I see her…

Even though by now there wouldn’t be that much to see...

Two sisters. One dream. The hardest open-water swim in the world.

This triumphant play from Olivier award-winning Morgan Lloyd Malcolm moves forwards and backwards in time across the 21 miles between Dover and Calais as a young swimmer harnesses her mind and body to make the crossing.

With grief and joy, 90’s pop-songs and lists, oil tankers and jelly babies, love persists whatever the distance, and however perilous the journey to the other side.

Louise Chantal Joint Director & CEO

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Can’t Sit Still Presents

OH NO, GEORGE!

By Chris Haughton George sees something in the kitchen. It’s cake!

I said I’d be good, George thinks, but I LOVE cake.

What will George do?

Oh No, George! is the delightfully playful tale of a dog who wants to be good but just can’t resist temptation.

Adapted from the award-winning picture book by Chris Haughton, this brand new production for children aged 3+ (and their grown-ups) uses acrobatics, slapstick comedy, Sign Supported English and live music to bring George’s joyful escapades to life.

Oh No, George! Copyright 2012 Chris Haughton.

Licensed by Walker Books Ltd., London.

Wed 23 & Thu 24 Feb Wed 1.30pm & 3.30pm Thu 10.30am & 1.30pm Tickets £14.50 Discounts available

Age guideline 3+

OPINION “It’s always a privilege to introduce a child to the wonders of live performance.”

Louise Chantal Joint Director & CEO

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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Patricia Hodge and Nigel Havers in Noël Coward’s

PRIVATE LIVES Directed by Christopher Luscombe

Noël Coward’s gloriously entertaining Private Lives is the inaugural show from The Nigel Havers Theatre Company, which will be touring the country with a wonderful line-up of theatrical gems.

Elyot and Amanda, who were once married, find themselves on honeymoon with their new partners, in the same hotel on the French coast, admiring the view from adjoining balconies. Their initial horror quickly evaporates and soon they are sharing cocktails.

Who knows what the future holds for them now...

Olivier Award-winning Patricia Hodge, one of the country’s most loved actresses, plays Amanda. Nigel Havers, ever suave and thoroughly charming, plays Elyot, the role taken by Noël Coward himself in the original production in 1930. Private Lives is directed

by Christopher Luscombe.

Tue 1 to Sat 5 Mar Evenings Tue, Wed, Thu & Sat 7.30pm Fri 8pm Matinees Wed, Thu & Sat 2.30pm Tickets from £10 Discounts available FULL CIRCLE AND ENJOY

25% OFF TUE

A limited number of £5 tickets are available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 12+ Spotlight Thu Mat More info on page 51

Post show talk Wed Eve

OPINION “Coward’s cleverest, wittiest comedy with two of the best actors in the land. This promises to be a production that will be talked about for decades to come!”

Louise Chantal Joint Director & CEO

Access performances

See pages 56-57

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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Photo credit: Simon Vail

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Oxford Theatre Guild presents

NICHOLAS NICKLEBY

By Charles Dickens Directed and adapted by Hedda Bird Left destitute by the death of their father, Nicholas and Kate Nickleby must find their own way in the world. At first their Uncle Ralph seems to offer guidance and new opportunities but they soon come to realise that his motives may not be entirely honourable.

From the gloom of Dotheboys Hall, to the bustling backstage of a theatre and onwards to the threatening streets of London, Nicholas and Kate must overcome new challenges to save those they love from the misfortunes that threaten to overwhelm them.

In Nicholas Nickleby, Dickens created some of his most memorable characters: the neglected and abused Smike, the kindly Cheeryble brothers, the cruel and grasping headmaster Wackford Squeers and the many members of the Crummles' colourful, if somewhat chaotic, theatrical company.

This new adaptation captures the heart and the humour of Dickens’ great novel celebrating the resilience of the human spirit in the face of poverty and corruption as well as the redemptive power of theatre.

Join Oxford Theatre Guild for its 60th production at the Playhouse.

Tue 8 to Sat 12 Mar Evenings Tue, Wed, Thu & Sat 7.30pm Fri 8pm Matinee Sat 2.30pm Tickets from £10 Discounts available FULL CIRCLE AND ENJOY

50%OFF TUE OR SAT MAT

A limited number of £5 tickets are available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 12+

OPINION “One of the UK’s oldest amateur companies, OTG has been a part of the Playhouse for over 80 years. It’s good to have you back!”

Louise Chantal Joint Director & CEO

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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Wed 23 to Sat 26 Mar Jonathan Church Theatre Productions presents The Nottingham Playhouse production

From the author of War Horse, Michael Morpurgo’s

PRIVATE PEACEFUL Adapted by Simon Reade

The Peaceful brothers, Tommo and Charlie, have a tough rural childhood facing the loss of their father, financial hardship and a cruel landlord.

Their fierce loyalty to each other pulls them through, until one day they both fall for the same girl. And then the Great War comes.

Set against the epic backdrop of WW1, we join 18-year-old Private Tommo Peaceful in the trenches as he takes us on a journey through his most cherished memories and tells his story of courage, devotion, family and friendship.

Award-winning Private Peaceful was shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal, won the Red House Children’s Book Award and the Blue Peter Book Award. Acknowledged by Michael Morpurgo (War Horse, The Butterfly Lion) as his favourite work, this thrilling new ensemble retelling by Simon Reade, directed by Elle While, explores how far a young soldier will go to fight for what is right.

Evenings 7pm Matinees Wed, Thu & Sat 2pm Tickets from £10 Discounts available FULL CIRCLE AND ENJOY

50%OFF WED OR SAT MAT

A limited number of £5 tickets are available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 9+ Spotlight Thu Mat More info on page 51

Post show talk Wed Eve

OPINION “One of the most beautiful tales by master story teller Michael Morpurgo. Opening Young Players’ Festival, this piece is brought to life for schools, families and adults alike.”

Laura Elliot Programme Director

Access performances

See pages 56-57

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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Photo credit: Camilla Greenwell

Wed 16 & Thu 17 Mar 7.30pm Tickets from £10 Discounts available FULL CIRCLE AND ENJOY

50%OFF WED

A limited number of £5 tickets are available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 11+ Post show talk Wed

Co-produced by Far From the Norm, Norrlandsoperan and Sadler’s Wells

BLKDOG Choreographed by Botis Seva BLKDOG is Botis Seva’s beautifully brutal commentary on how the youth of today are coping in a world not built for them. An emotionally charged Hip Hop dance, BLKDOG reveals how self-discovery can lead to self-destruction, and how to find a sense of peace.

A pounding, brooding score highlights the inner working of the character’s minds. The music has grown from a long-standing collaboration with Torben Lars Sylvest and words performed by Far From The Norm and guests. Tom Visser’s lighting brings a dark smog of disillusion as the choreography delves into the underbelly of life, while the hooded caps and padded costumes by Ryan Laight echo the protection and comfort of childhood.

BLKDOG won an Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production in 2019 and 2021, and is nominated for a Black British Theatre Award 2022 for Best Dance Production.

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Royal and Derngate, Northampton presents

THE WELLSPRING A study of fathers and sons and the stories we don’t always tell one another. This timely and intimate work in progress from award-winning playwright Barney Norris (The Remains Of The Day) and his father, the internationally acclaimed pianist and broadcaster David Owen Norris, examines that age-old story of a boy and his dad, and how they can relate to one another, in every sense of the word.

An intimate, autobiographical exploration of their relationship, The Wellspring takes us inside the complex and shifting dynamic between this particular father and son, exploring the people and stories that shape us.

Their performances are accompanied by exquisite music performed by David Owen Norris, described by the Toronto Globe and Mail as “quite possibly the most interesting pianist in the world”.

Tue 29 & Wed 30 Mar 8pm Tickets from £10 Discounts available FULL CIRCLE AND ENJOY

50%OFF TUE

A limited number of £5 tickets are available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 14+

OPINION “OP Associate Artist Barney Norris is a ‘Sunday Times’ best-selling novelist and award-winning playwright.

We can't wait to see this.”

Laura Elliot Programme Director

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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Fri 1 to Sun 3 Apr Fri & Sat 7pm Sun 6pm Tickets from £10 Discounts available A limited number of £5 tickets are available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 8+ Mini Opera for Families Sat 2.30pm A one-hour, reduced length performance of The Magic Flute, suitable for children aged 4+

Mini Opera tickets 8 and under £5 Under 18 £10 Adults £22.50 24

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Oxford Opera presents Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's

THE MAGIC FLUTE This is Mozart at his best! Oxford Opera returns with its new English-language production of The Magic Flute. Full of fun, incredible music and a magical Flute, this is a must-see for opera newcomers or aficionados alike!

Don’t risk the wrath of Headmaster Sarastro by late arrival for the first day at Oxford Opera Academy of Musical Magnificence! Who will win battle for control of the school, Headmaster Sarastro or Head of the PTA - Mrs. Quinine Night? Can Head-Girl Pamina help new boy Tamino settle in and prepare for his practical exams and will Caretaker ‘Pigeon' Papageno finally find love amongst the lost property?

Mini-Opera for Families Families with younger ones can enjoy an hour long, narrated version to introduce children to the magic of opera.

“Playhouse delights in pitch-perfect production of Puccini's La Bohème.”

Oxford Mail

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Tue 19 to Thu 21 Apr

From the creators of DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE

DRAGONS & MYTHICAL BEASTS Calling all brave heroes! Enter into a magical world of myths and legends in this fantastical new interactive show for all the family.

Unveil a myriad of dark secrets and come face-to-face with some of the most magnificent monsters and terrifying beasts ever to walk the earth. Discover the colossal Stone Troll, the mysterious Indrik and Japanese Baku; the Tooth Fairy (not as sweet as you'd think), an adorable Unicorn and a majestic Griffin. Take your place among legendary heroes; just don't wake the Dragon...

★★★★

Tue 2pm Wed & Thu11am & 2pm Tickets from £10 Access discount only

Age guideline 3+

Don’t forget...

You can order your child's picnic bag in advance! £4.50

“Mind-blowing puppet monsters.”

Time Out

★★★★ “Comical, spellbinding show!”

The Guardian

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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Thu 7 to Sat 9 Apr An Oxford Playhouse Young Company production

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISSOCIA

by Anthony Neilson Directed by Jo Noble Like Wonderland, or Oz, Dissocia is surreal, chaotic, witty and mind-changing. Lisa, our troubled heroine takes us on a fantastical journey in search of an hour she has lost.

Punctuated by absurdist characters and situations, a shadow materialises.

Following its acclaimed performances of Nell Gwynn and Jane Eyre, the Oxford Playhouse Young Company never stopped devising and performing on-line during the pandemic. This production marks the company’s comeback to the main stage.

“The acting was polished, the set imaginative and the ensemble pieces beautifully choreographed.”

The Oxford Times on Jane Eyre

“A rambunctious, energetic cast... it was thrilling to watch the ensemble.”

Evenings Thu & Sat 7.30pm Fri 8pm Tickets from £10 Discounts available FULL CIRCLE AND ENJOY

50%OFF THU

A limited number of £5 tickets are available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 14+ Post show talk Thu

OPINION “We are so excited to be welcoming our Young Company back to the Main Stage. The Wonderful World of Dissocia promises to showcase our ensemble of young performers at their best, in one of Anthony Neilson's most popular pieces of writing.”

Paul Simpson Participation Manager

Daily Info on Nell Gwynn

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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Wed 13 to Sat 16 Apr Musical Youth Company of Oxford presents

LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical

Music and Lyrics by

Book by

Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin

Heather Hach

Evenings 7.30pm Matinee Sat 2.30pm Tickets from £12.50 Discounts available

Age guideline 8+

Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture “OMG you guys... Legally Blonde The Musical is coming to the Playhouse!”

Director Guy Brigg MBE

This fabulously fun, Olivier award-winning musical follows the transformation of beautiful, popular, expert shopper Elle Woods as she crosses the country on a mission to win back the man who wanted someone “serious.”

Musical Director Julie Todd

Supported by friends (and her dog!) she arrives at Harvard and discovers that not only can being smart be hugely rewarding, but it is necessary to stay true to yourself to achieve real success.

This production is brought to you by Musical Youth Company of Oxford, a talented company of 50 young people, and recent winners of the Flame Award for Inspirational Contribution to Musical Theatre. The company is thrilled to bring their energy, songs and smiles back to the Playhouse stage.

Bend and Snap up your tickets for this witty, infectious (and pink!) production, packed to the brim with memorable music and dynamic dance.

“Slick, polished and intoxicating.”

Oxfordshire Drama Review on Godspell, 2018 This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe).

All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe. www.mtishows.co.uk Original Production by Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals, Dori Berinstein, James L. Nederlander, Independent Presenters Network, Roy Furman, Amanda Lipitz, Broadway Asia, Barbara Whitman, FWPM Group, Hendel/Wiesenfeld, Goldberg/Binder, Stern/Meyer, Lane/Comley, BartnerJenkins/Nocciolino and Warren Trepp; Produced in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber.

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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The Stockroom presents

THE GLEE CLUB

By Richard Cameron

Of all my years of growing up, I grew up in 1962...

Music was on the move, the swing, the shake, the sex of it was comin’ through the airwaves.

Five hard-working, hard-drinking miners and a church organist are rehearsing frantically for the local gala. This is the Glee Club, and though they’ve played their share of working men’s clubs, they’re not exactly the vanguard of a musical revolution.

But this is the summer of ’62. Britain and music are about to change forever. And so are the lives of these six men.

A raucous comedy featuring live music, The Glee Club was first seen at the Bush Theatre in 2002 and soon transferred to the West End. The Stockroom (formerly Out of Joint) bring this 20th Anniversary production to Oxford as part of its first national tour.

Tue 26 to Sat 30 Apr Evenings Tue, Wed, Thu & Sat 7.30pm Fri 8pm Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm Tickets from £10 Discounts available FULL CIRCLE AND ENJOY

50%OFF TUE OR SAT MAT

A limited number of £5 tickets are available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 14+

“A glorious play.”

Daily Telegraph

“Poignant, funny and utterly authentic.”

Mail on Sunday

“A hugely entertaining evening, rich in comic moments.”

Sunday Times

OPINION “This joyful revival of Richard Cameron’s critically acclaimed comedy will make your heart sing.”

Laura Elliot Programme Director

“Riotously funny.”

Daily Express

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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Rose Theatre and Alexandra Palace in association with Oxford Playhouse

PERSUASION

By Jane Austen Adapted by Jeff James, with James Yeatman Directed by Jeff James

Jane Austen's romantic comedy is riotously reinvented for the 21st century with an explosive foam party and a soundtrack of Frank Ocean, Dua Lipa, and Cardi B. When Captain Wentworth proposed to Anne Elliot eight years ago, he was penniless and had only love and ambition to offer. Persuaded out of accepting his proposal by her family, Anne’s never quite got over her first love.

But now Wentworth is back. Rich, successful and single, the handsome Captain has been transformed into a serious catch. When circumstances bring the two face to face again, Anne is forced to confront the past. As old wounds reopen, will Wentworth forgive Anne for rejecting him, and will Anne finally learn to trust her desires?

Jeff James (La Musica at Young Vic) and James Yeatman's bold and brilliant adaptation, first seen at the Royal Exchange Manchester, brings all the sharp observation and quick wit of Austen’s novel to the stage, without a bonnet in sight.

Wed 4 to Sat 14 May Evenings Tue, Wed, Thu & Sat 7.30pm Fri 8pm Matinees Thu & Sat 2.30pm Socially distanced performances Thu 5 Mat Thu12 Eve Tickets from £10 Discounts available FULL CIRCLE AND ENJOY

50%OFF WED4 EVE & SAT 7 MAT

A limited number of £5 tickets available for OPTin! members

Age guideline 10+ Spotlight Thu 12 Mat More info on page 51

★★★★ “Sparklingly intelligent and very funny.

Austen would have loved it.”

The Times

★★★★ “Exhilarating and irreverent Austen adaptation swaps bonnets for bikinis.”

The Guardian

Post show talk Wed 11 OPINION “After OP’s co-production Pride and Prejudice (sort of), this promises yet more joyful Austen-irreverence!”

Laura Elliot Programme Director

Access performances

See pages 56-57

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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COMEDY & TALKS OXFORDSHIRE MIND COMEDY GALA

Sat 15 Jan 2.30pm & 7.30pm

Oxfordshire Mind and Jericho Comedy are taking over Oxford Playhouse for their annual Comedy Gala! Previous line-up includes, James Acaster, Rachel Parris, Nish Kumar, Rosie Jones, Ivo Graham and Ed Gamble.

Presented by Jericho Comedy and raising money for the vital support Oxfordshire Mind offers those with mental health problems, don’t miss this hilarious event of belly laughing comedy!

MICHAEL MCINTYRE: WORK IN PROGRESS

Tickets £22.50 Access discount only

Age guideline 18+ “What an absolute treat it turned out to be. My cheeks are still aching. Just what was needed to eradicate the January blues.”

OxInABox – 2019 Gala

Mon 7 & Tue 8 Feb 8pm

Join Michael McIntyre this February as he tries out brand new material, plus support.

Tickets £27.50 Access discount only

Age guideline 14+

SOLD OUT

REGINALD D HUNTER: BOMBE SHUFFLEUR

Fri 18 Mar 8pm

Climate change. Mass unemployment.

Economic pandemics. The rise of global fascism. So what the hell could this man POSSIBLY say to upset you? Reginald D Hunter is back with a brand-new show, and there’s no time for niceties.

Unafraid to tackle head on the subjects the rest of us skirt around, he is the voice of his generation – searingly honest, brutally funny and uniquely placed to commentate on the unfolding meltdown of life as we know it.

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Tickets £25 Access discount only

Age guideline 18+

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

COMEDY & TALKS Gag Reflex in association with Andrew Roach Talent presents

LOST VOICE GUY: CEREBRAL LOL-SY

Photo: Steve Ullathorne

Lee Ridley (Lost Voice Guy) is heading back out on the road to put a smile on the faces of people up and down the country. The BGT winner will poke fun at his life living as a disabled person in a post-apocalyptic world as he tries to cope with fame and fortune. From the highs of meeting 50% of The Chuckle Brothers to the lows of being called “him off The X Factor”, and everything in between.

So Comedy & Broken Robot Productions by arrangement with Gavin Barker Associates presents

CRAIG REVEL HORWOOD: THE ALL BALLS & GLITTER TOUR The star of BBC1’s Strictly Come Dancing is taking to the road with his debut solo tour! Join Craig as he talks about his life from Australia to the West End to Strictly, reveals a wealth of backstage gossip with his trademark wit and candour, and gives a very special performance of some of the music which has been the soundtrack to his career. Book now for a fabulous evening of entertainment!

Platypus Rights Ltd presents

PAM AYRES: AN EVENING WITH Pam Ayres has been making the nation laugh for almost five decades. She will be performing a selection of poems and stories, old and new, from her many books, including her latest, Pam Ayres on Animals. Recent TV appearances includes her own series for Channel 5, The Cotswolds and radio includes six series of Ayres On The Air and many appearances on Just A Minute. Pam is honoured to have appeared twice on Desert Island Discs.

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Sat 19 Mar 7.30pm Tickets £18 Livestream £11.50 Access discount only

Age guideline 14+ ★★★★ “Has the audience eating out of the palm of his hand...”

The Telegraph

Sun 27 Mar 7.30pm Tickets £26 Access discount only

Age guideline 14+ Meet & Greet £45 Join Craig for an exclusive meet and greet after the show, inc. a glass of prosecco, signed photo and access all areas souvenir pass (show ticket must be purchased separately).

Mon 28 Mar 7.30pm Tickets £28.50 Access discount only

Age guideline 9+

“Pam Ayres is absolutely essential to British humour.”

Mail on Sunday

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COMEDY & TALKS Sat 23 April 7.30pm

Avalon UK presents

ED GAMBLE: ELECTRIC After a sell-out tour of his house in 2020 (extended for 2021!) Ol’ Broken Pancreas is charged up and ready to flick the switch on another night of attention seeking.

Co-host of the mega-hit podcast Off Menu, Taskmaster champion, and has his own special Blood Sugar available worldwide on Amazon Prime. Seen and heard on the BBC’s Mock the Week, Live At the Apollo, QI, Would I Lie To You, The Russell Howard Hour and on Radio X. Presented by Mick Perrin Worldwide Ltd

PAUL MERTON’S IMPRO CHUMS Paul Merton, Richard Vranch, Suki Webster, Mike McShane and accompanist Kirsty Newton are back on the road in 2022 to visit some of their favourite parts of the UK with another evening of mind-blowing improvisation.

The collective improvisational experience embodied in the Chums is a joy to behold.

They flex their improvisational muscles to delight and entertain audiences in this country and abroad.

Tickets £20.50 Access discount only

Age guideline 14+

“An ability to open his mouth and spontaneously say something hysterically funny.”

James Kettle, The Guardian

Sun 1 May 8pm Tickets £25.50 Access discount only

Age guideline 14+ May contain some swearing and adult themes.

“Merton's chums are some of the most seasoned performers in this field... pure hilarity.”

British Theatre Guide

Oxford Playhouse Pantomime 2022-23 Booking opens Sat 26 Nov 2021

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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DIGITAL STAGE COMEDY DRAMA FAMILY

Interesting times call for creative approaches Oxford Playhouse continues to programme digital work for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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DIGITAL STAGE

Mon 21 to Mon 28 Feb On demand Tickets £15 Age guideline 14+

Riptide

THE LUCKY ONES Riptide’s groundbreaking, genre-shattering experience is back!

The Lucky Ones, a digital interactive experience, comes to you through your phone, your laptop and your letterbox.

Starting with a letter, The Lucky Ones takes you on a journey from your home to a secret location halfway across the world. Dragged into a conflict between a secretive tech corporation and a shadowy Neo-Luddite collective, you will hack email accounts, decode secret messages and guide characters’ actions in real-time as you play through the narrative.

The Lucky Ones is unlike anything you have seen before part theatre, part video game, and part escape room. You can participate alone or in teams of up to 4, and you can expect to play for 10-30 minutes each day for 7 days.

“The Lucky Ones is genuinely surprising...

I always appreciated its cleverness and could see the potential of the Riptide approach, which marks them out as a company to watch.”

Lyn Gardner, Stagedoor

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DIGITAL STAGE

Parabolic Theatre

ENGLAND EXPECTS An immersive theatre game for our times It’s September 1940, and history has come adrift. Captain, what are your orders? You must protect the naval fleet and stay afloat.

Wed 20 to Sat 23 Apr 7.30pm Tickets £15 Age guideline 14+

Parabolic Theatre evoke the spirit of the second world war - asking you to puzzle your way out of a u-boat infested Mediterranean in the naval war that never was.

It’s going to take every ounce of military coordination, tactics and intelligence from you and your shipmates to put history back on an even keel.

England Expects is experienced over Zoom from the comfort of your own home. A team of actors in costume and games masters, will facilitate your participation, guiding you through tasks, missions and battles as you interact and shape the storyline. This is immersive storytelling at its best, with never a dull moment.

The England Expects experience lasts approximately 2 hours 30 minutes and is played over a computer or laptop. Tablets and phones just won’t cut the mustard!

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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BURTON TAYLOR STUDIO

COMEDY DRAMA POETRY FAMILY The studio is accessed by two flights of stairs.

We have a stair climber for wheelchair users.

If you would like to use this facility, please book with the Box Office in advance and inform them while booking.

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ETT, York Theatre Royal & Brixton House, in association with Alison Holder presents

MUGABE, MY DAD AND ME

Tue 15 to Sat 19 Mar 7.30pm Tickets £10

Something strange happens when the past comes crashing into you, right in the present.

Discounts £8

April, 1980. The British colony of Rhodesia becomes the independent nation of Zimbabwe. A born free, Tonderai Munyevu is part of the hopeful next generation from a country with a new leader, Robert Mugabe.

Mugabe, My Dad & Me charts the rise and fall of one of the most controversial politicians of the 20th century through the personal story of Tonderai’s family.

Age guideline 14+

★★★★

“Enlightening.”

The Guardian

Thu 24 & Fri 25 Mar 7.30pm

Paper Mug Theatre presents

A PARTNERSHIP Can two men in modern-day London maintain a long-lasting, monogamous relationship?

As Zach’s internalised homophobia finally erupts on the eve of Ally’s 30th birthday, the couple find their relationship tested to the limit, forcing them into a conversation five years in the making - to finally decide their future.

Tickets £10 Discounts £8

Age guideline 16+

Sat 26 Mar 11am & 2pm

Norwich Puppet Theatre

PINOCCHIO Norwich Puppet Theatre is delighted to present an exciting re-imagining of this classic Italian fairy tale. Join our puppet Pinocchio on a fast-paced adventure of selfdiscovery, as they try, fail, and try again to find their heart and become a real person.

Tickets £8 Discounts £6

Age guideline 4+

A playful story exploring what it means to love - with hints of danger, slapstick humour and a very big fish! This highly visual production features puppetry, illusion and mesmerising soundtrack, as well as an atmospheric soundtrack.

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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Molly Naylor presents

STOP TRYING TO BE FANTASTIC

Tue 29 & Wed 30 Mar 7.30pm

Produced in association with Inn Crowd, Co-commissioned by Norwich Arts Centre, Supported by Arts Council England One day, a magpie comes into a little girl’s house by mistake. It decides it likes her. She spends the next twenty-five years trying to get away from it. A story about suffering, saviour-complex, self-acceptance, and a magpie who refuses to quit.

Molly Naylor has written and performs this lyrical and funny spoken-word show that explores what we owe to each other and what we owe to ourselves.

It’s an anti self-help show... that might actually help.

Tickets £10 Discounts £8

Age guideline 12+

“Brave, funny, tough and beautiful writing.”

The Guardian

Thu 31 Mar 7.30pm

John Osborne presents

MY CAR PLAYS TAPES A new play about minimum wage jobs, getting older and being reunited with your old cassette collection, from John Osborne, the creator of cult fringe shows John Peel’s Shed and Circled in the Radio Times.

Tickets £10 Discounts £8

Age guideline 14+

Performed at this year’s Edinburgh Festival with glowing reviews. My Car Plays Tapes focusses on John’s life as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities, and his five years working with Mencap.

Garlic Theatre

OLDILOCKS AND THE 3 BEARS

★★★★

“A charmingly idiosyncratic mix of wistfulness and wonder.”

The Stage

Sat 2 Apr 11am, 2pm & 4pm

One winter, Oldilocks finds a teddy bear in the park and remembers a delicious bowl of porridge she tasted years ago in the woods. Something else happened but she can’t quite remember what... so she sets off for the forest. Will she find the bear’s house and what will happen then?

Tickets £8 Discounts £6

Age guideline 3 to 7

Garlic Theatre hold their young audience spellbound with lovingly crafted puppets, music and some steaming bowls of porridge.

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Tue 5 Apr 7.30pm

Little Soldier presents

NOTHING HAPPENS (TWICE)

Photography by Pau Ros

Mercè and Patricia always knew that making theatre would be hard work, but when they had to dress up as flamingos in a shopping centre to make ends meet, they seriously considered giving up.

Tickets £10 Discounts £8

Age guideline 14+

Will their shared dream of staging Waiting for Godot get them back on track?

Directed by Olivier award-winner Ursula Martinez (‘soon to be adopted as a national treasure.’ Daily Telegraph)

On the Run Theatre presents

EVERYTHING I DIDN’T SAY

Wed 6 & Thu 7 Apr 7.30pm

Photography by Alex Brenner

Meadow Rain would like to say sorry.

Sorry for disappearing. Sorry for being a bad friend. And sorry for calling her best friend a rude word. She’s also sorry for keeping secrets. Secrets about Terry.

Secrets she is now ready to reveal...

This funny “subtle suckerpunch of a show” (★★★★ The List) seeks to change perceptions of what coercive control is and what a victim can look like.

Discounts £8

Age guideline 16+ “Blew me away... moving, intimate and expertly performed.”

Scottish Women's Aid

Fri 8 & Sat 9 Apr 7.30pm

Incognito Theatre presents

THE NET KILL Set at the end of the nineteenth century, Incognito Theatre uses its award-winning physical style and theatrical bombast to tell this funny, absurd and heart-warming story.

A five-man badminton team is sent to vanquish a mysterious beast terrorising the English countryside. Along the way, challenges are faced and truths are revealed, as Incognito interrogate the notions of friendship, brotherhood, and how men express their emotions and support each other in the face of grave danger.

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Tickets £10

Tickets £10 Discounts £8

Age guideline 12+

★★★★★

“Outrageously funny and bizarre.”

Voice Mag

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Wed 13 to Sat 23 Apr

Wed 13 to Sat 23 April No performance Wed 13 at 11am and Sun 17 at 11am & 2pm

11am & 2pm Tickets £10 Discounts £8 Age guideline 3 to 7

A Daniel Naddafy and Oxford Playhouse co-production

THE FLOWER From the tiniest of seeds to the biggest of changes.

Brigg lives in a small room in a big city. A city with no flowers, where everything is grey. But one day Brigg comes across a picture of a flower and some tiny seeds in an old junk shop.

Full of hope, Brigg plants the seeds and waters them, setting off a chain of events which changes the world Brigg lives in forever.

Oxford Playhouse Artist on Attachment Daniel Naddafy (Glisten) brings John Light’s magical children’s story to life in this enchanting and heart-warming production for young audiences.

“Entrancing.”

Children's Theatre Review on Glisten All dates/times are relaxed performances

R

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TAKE PART @ OXFORD PLAYHOUSE YOUNG PEOPLE FAMILIES & HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS ADULTS YOUNG PLAYERS' FESTIVAL To book a place on any workshop, course or young company, call the Box Office 01865 305305.

Oxford Playhouse offers a bursary scheme for anyone who wants to take part but may need help with fees.

To apply, email participation@oxfordplayhouse.com

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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YOUNG PEOPLE

PLAYHOUSE YOUTH THEATRE

PLAYHOUSE MONOLOGUE JAM

Tue 18 Jan to Tue 29 Mar (no session Tue 22 Feb)

Sat 29 Jan, Sat 12 Feb, Sat 5, 19 & Sun 27 Mar

The Playhouse Youth Theatre is our platform for 12 to 16 year olds to develop their passion for performance, learn brand new skills, and build friendships in a supportive setting.

An exciting opportunity for teenagers with a passion for creating their own solo performance and using their own voice, our Playhouse Monologue Jam returns again this Spring.

Participants will spend the Spring Term building skills in voice, movement and expression, whilst writing and preparing their own individual monologues to be performed in the BT Studio as part of the Playhouse Monologue Jam at our Young Players’ Festival at the end of term.

Our fun sessions will be supported by visiting practitioners for a series of exciting masterclasses focused on key performance and writing skills, through games, improvisation and devising.

For more information on our Spring Term sessions, please email: participation@oxfordplayhouse.com

Our series of masterclasses will take participants through the process of conceiving, writing and rehearsing their own monologues in preparation for performance at our BT Studio as part of the Young Players’ Festival in March 2022.

The Playhouse Monologue Jam will bring together young people from across Oxfordshire, and welcomes sign ups from individuals as well as established groups.

For more information on how to take part in our Playhouse Monologue Jam, please email: participation@oxfordplayhouse.com

Time 5pm to 7pm

Time 10am to 12noon

Location Top Room

Location Top Room

Course Fee £50

Course Fee Free (booking is essential)

Age 12 to 16

Age 11 to 18 Please note, the Top Room, Circle Bar and Burton Taylor Studio are not accessible in a wheelchair.

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YOUNG PEOPLE

YOUNG AMBASSADORS

KEEN DRAMA WORKSHOPS

Recruiting now

Wed 2 Feb to Wed 23 Mar

A group of dedicated, passionate, and creative young people, our Young Ambassadors work year-round with Oxford Playhouse to shape the future of our theatre. Influencing ideas and engaging with productive opportunities across all departments, our Young Ambassadors help us plan and create new ways of working.

In partnership with KEEN Oxford, our free, inclusive drama workshops return for the Spring Term.

Open to anybody aged 16 to 25 we are looking for our next committed cohort of Young Ambassadors to join us for a period of 12 months from April 2022.

Application deadline is Monday 28th February.

Application forms available for download from our website.

Our 8-week programme of sessions, provides a supportive opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to have fun and be expressive through performance. This term our participants will create new scenes and explore imaginary worlds, in preparation for an exciting performance in the BT Studio at our Young Players’ Festival in April 2022.

Sessions are accessible to disabled and nondisabled participants to ensure everyone can comfortably get involved.

To sign up to our free, inclusive drama workshops, email KEEN Oxford at: keen@keenoxford.org

Age 16 to 25 For more information on our Young Ambassadors’ scheme, email: participation@oxfordplayhouse.com

Time 6.30pm to 7.15pm Location KEEN (St Clement’s Centre) Course Fee Free (booking is essential) Age 11+

Please note, the Top Room, Circle Bar and Burton Taylor Studio are not accessible in a wheelchair.

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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YOUNG PEOPLE

MON 21 MAR TO THU 21 APR A celebration of theatre created by, for and in collaboration with young people, the annual Oxford Playhouse Young Players’ Festival returns with a full line up of performances, workshops and activities that bring young people to the very heart of our programme.

Our full schedule will be announced in the early Spring, but looks forward to introducing: Dragons & Mythical Beasts .................................................................................. 25 Private Peaceful ........................................................................................................ 21 The Magic Flute ........................................................................................................ 24 The Wonderful World of Dissocia .................................................................... 27 Legally Blonde .......................................................................................................... 29 Playhouse Monologue Jam .................................................................................. 46 Playhouse Youth Theatre ................................................................................... 46 KEEN Drama Workshop participants ............................................................ 47 Playhouse Adult Company ................................................................................ 50

If you would like to find out more information on how to take part in our Young Players’ Festival, please contact participation@oxfordplayhouse.com A full schedule of performance times and ticket prices will be available from January.

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© Illustration: www.korkypaul.com

FAMILIES AND HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE

PLAY IN A WEEK

Mon 17 Jan to Mon 28 Mar (no session Mon 21 Feb)

Mon 21 Feb to Fri 25 Feb

Monday morning musical fun!

Our free sing-long sessions for toddlers and their adults introduce music, dance and performance skills to early years children, to kick-start their excitement for creativity and imagination. With a new theme each week, you and your child are invited to play, laugh and learn in our fun and friendly sessions, conducted by our own musical maestra, Becki Reed.

Space will be provided in our foyer for buggies and pushchairs, and parents are welcome to stay and play after the session has finished.

Our Play in a Week scheme returns for five days of half-term holiday fun and creativity. Exploring the unique worlds of our imaginations, participants will work together to create new ideas and build new friendships.

This high-energy week will use games, physical theatre, improvisation and song to create a performance ready to share with friends and family at the end of the week.

For more information on our Play in a Week scheme, email: participation@ oxfordplayhouse.com

To book tickets please visit www.oxfordplayhouse.com or telephone the Box Office on 01865 305305

Time 11am to 11.30am

Time 10am to 3pm

Location Top Room

Location Top Room

Tickets £3 (1 parent + 1 child)

Tickets £125

Age 5 and under

Age 8 to 11 Please note, the Top Room, Circle Bar and Burton Taylor Studio are not accessible in a wheelchair.

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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ADULTS

PLAYHOUSE ADULT COMPANY

MOTHERS WHO MAKE

Thu 20 Jan to Thu 31 Mar (no session Thu 24 Feb)

Tue 11 Jan, Tue 8 Feb, Tue 8 Mar & Tue 12 Apr

The Playhouse Adult Company welcomes anyone aged 26 and over with a passion for performance, and an excitement for joining a friendly, multi-generational company.

Continuing on Zoom, our Mothers Who Make sessions aim to provide creative mothers the chance to explore their practice with their children present, valuing equally their dual roles of mother and artist.

Devising their own piece across the term, the Adult Company will work towards an exciting presentation to be performed to young audiences in the BT Studio as part of the Young Players' Festival in April 2022, all the while building a foundation of key performance skills in voice, movement and expression.

For more information on our Playhouse Adult Company Spring Term sessions, please email our workshop leader: jo.noble@oxfordplayhouse.com

A great way to meet and collaborate with other members from different creative backgrounds, our reach is across generations and art forms.

Every kind of maker is welcome professional and/or passionate - writers, painters, performers, musicians, bakers, crafters, architects, historians...

Every kind of mother is welcome biological, adoptive, step, surrogate, foster, grand, great-grand, to be...

For more information about these workshops, email participation@ oxfordplayhouse.com

Time 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Time 8pm to 9.30pm

Location Top Room

Location Online via Zoom

Tickets £50

Tickets Free (booking is essential)

Age 26+ Please note, the Top Room, Circle Bar and Burton Taylor Studio are not accessible in a wheelchair.

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ADULTS

SPOTLIGHT Thu 27 Jan, Thu 3 Mar, Thu 24 Mar, Thu 12 May Our lunchtime Spotlight sessions return this Spring, ready to welcome passionate theatregoers eager to learn more about our main stage productions. Spotlight is a friendly discussion forum for people aged 50 and over, where participants join us to explore relevant themes and topics with special guest speakers, with the additional provision of sandwiches and refreshments.

Our upcoming Spotlight sessions: Thursday 27 January: The Dresser Thursday 3 March: Private Lives Thursday 24 March: Private Peaceful Thursday 12 May: Persuasion To book a place at an upcoming Spotlight session, please call our Box Office on 01865 305305. Please let us know any dietary requirements when you book.

Don’t forget to book your ticket to the matinee or any of the other performances taking place following each Spotlight session.

For more information on our Spotlight sessions, email: participation@oxfordplayhouse.com Time 12.30pm to 2pm Location Lucy Room Cost £7 (Includes a Sandwich lunch) Age 50+ Please note, the Top Room, Circle Bar and Burton Taylor Studio are not accessible in a wheelchair.

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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COVID SECURE Oxford Playhouse is delighted to be welcoming audiences back into our theatre.

Please be assured that the safety of our audiences is of the utmost importance to us. We continue to follow the safety and hygiene measures recommended by government, including specific advice for performing arts venues.

The following measures are in place: • Some Socially Distanced performances.

See below • Regular fogging of auditorium and front of house spaces • Our ventilation system draws in fresh air form outside, rather than recycled air • Enhanced cleaning; including high intensity touch points • Just a little ask, we’d love you to wear a mask!

If you can, please wear a mask. For the continued safety of our audiences, artists and staff, face coverings are strongly and respectfully encouraged during your time in the Playhouse, both when you are in the foyer and seated in the auditorium. Thank you for your co-operation. (Please note, for performances at our Burton Taylor Studio, we must insist that all patrons, except the medically exempt, wear a mask while watching the performance.)

• Modified routes and one-way systems around the building to avoid overcrowding and manage audience flow • Recommendation to audiences to bring minimal possessions with them • Contactless ticketing • Contactless payment • Staggered arrival times for some performances • All OP staff and visiting companies take regular lateral flow tests to ensure no one working on the premises has tested positive for COVID-19 and our Front of House staff will continue to wear face masks as part of our risk mitigation procedures • Book with confidence, exchange with ease pledge, allowing exchanges up to 2 hours ahead of a performance if ticket holder cannot attend due to Covid.

• Multiple hand sanitiser stations

Socially Distanced Performances We recognise that not everyone yet feels comfortable returning to a full auditorium. Where possible we will programme socially distanced performances, with around 50% of seats available for sale and spacing in between groups of seats.

If you have any questions before your visit to us please contact the Box Office on 01865 305305 or email: boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com

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ARTIST DEVELOPMENT

Oxford Playhouse is committed to discovering, nurturing and promoting the best emerging talent from Oxfordshire and beyond.

Artists are at heart of everything we do at the Playhouse.

OPEN SESSIONS 1:1 Advice Sessions OP offers 1:1 Advice Sessions tailored to individual needs for Oxfordshire based artists, led by a member of our team.

The Green Room OP’s virtual gathering for artists and venues, providing space for the vital conversations of the moment.

Skills Sessions Evolve your practice and share learning through OP’s regular skills session for artists.

ARTIST DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS Evolve OP’s annual Evolve Artists in Residence scheme supports three to four emerging/ mid-career artists/companies by providing seed funding for projects, research and development, rehearsal space and mentoring.

Playhouse Playmaker Up to six writers are invited to be a part of OP's annual writers’ attachment programme, led by award-winning playwright, Clare Bayley.

The Plot Hosted by OP, The Plot is a group of later-career playwrights, which has met informally since 2015 to develop its own voices and practice, and to support each other in an exchange of culture and community.

Visit www.oxfordplayhouse.com for further information, to sign up to OP’s regular Artists’ newsletter and to see how you can get involved.

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

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IT’S YOUR PLAYHOUSE

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ACCESS FACILITIES Oxford Playhouse offers a range of access facilities.

To find out more call the Box Office on 01865 305305 or email access@oxfordplayhouse.com Sennheiser infrared headset system for those who are hard of hearing.

Please ask the Box Office staff at the time of booking to advise you on the best places to sit for using the Sennheiser headsets.

Level access from the street to the auditorium.

Low level counters at the Box Office and Bar. Wheelchair spaces (Stalls end of rows E and L and centre of row T).

Unfortunately the Top Room and Circle Bar cannot be accessed by wheelchair users. The BT Studio is accessed via two flights of stairs.

If you require a stair climber please let the Box Office know at least three days in advance.

Captioned performances for those who are deaf, deafened and hard of hearing, or who find it useful to follow the text during a show.

British Sign Language (BSL) signed performances where an interpreter stands at the side of the stage for people who use BSL. Audio described performances where (via headphones) a live narrator describes the action in the pauses between the onstage dialogue for those are blind or partially sighted.

Free touch tours accompany audio described performances and are a chance to explore the set before the show begins.

What's On Guides are available as audio recordings and large-print copies on request. Please email access@oxfordplayhouse.com.

Relaxed performances are aimed at anyone who would benefit from a laid-back environment, including people with Autistic Spectrum condition, a learning disability or young children. The house lights will be partially on, audience members can come and go as they please and make noise if they want to.

Dementia Friendly Performances These performances are carefully tailored for those living with dementia and their friends, family or carers. They’re designed so everyone can enjoy the show in a supportive, comfortable, and relaxed environment. Adaptations include reduced volume of music when dialogue is taking place.

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ACCESS DIARY...

Date

Production

Time(s)

Venue

Access Page

November 17 Wed

Blue/Orange

7.30pm

Main Stage

3

20 Sat

Blue/Orange

2.30pm/Touch Tour 1pm

Main Stage

3

December 5 Sun

Robin Hood

11am

Main Stage

9 to 31

Home in Time for Christmas

All performances

BT Studio

7

12 Sun

Robin Hood

4pm/Touch Tour 2.30pm

Main Stage

21 Tue

Robin Hood

4pm

Main Stage

5

29 Wed

Robin Hood

4pm

Main Stage

5

5

5

January 5 Wed

Robin Hood

10am

Main Stage

5

8 Sat

Robin Hood

2pm/Touch Tour 12.30pm

Main Stage

5

26 Wed

The Dresser

7.30pm

Main Stage

11

2 Wed

Private Lives

7.30pm

Main Stage

17

5 Sat

Private Lives

2.30pm/Touch Tour 1pm

Main Stage

17

23 Wed

Private Peaceful 7pm

Main Stage

21

26 Sat

Private Peaceful 2pm/Touch Tour 12.30pm

Main Stage

21

All performances

BT Studio

44

March

April 13 to 23 The Flower

May 11 Wed

Persuasion

7.30pm

Main Stage

33

14 Sat

Persuasion

2.30pm/Touch Tour 1pm

Main Stage

33

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2022

Coming up…

Mon 23 May

SANDI TOKSVIG LIVE!

NEXT SLIDE PLEASE…

Following the sell-out 2019 tour of National Trevor, the comedian, broadcaster, writer, campaigner and all-round good egg, returns to over 35 UK theatres with her brand-new show, Next Slide Please ...

In an evening of warmth, love and laughter, Sandi will explore reasons to be cheerful after many long months of coronacoaster gloom. Expect fascinatingly funny facts, silly jokes and a quick-fire Q&A. (Don't expect handstands, ministerial behaviour or impressions of Chris Whitty)

Thu 26 to Sat 28 May

KAY’S ANATOMY LIVE See Adam Kay’s record-breaking, best-selling book Kay’s Anatomy live on stage for the very first time! This hilarious (and hideous) new family show, from the author of This is Going to Hurt, is guaranteed fun for ages seven to seven hundred and seventy-seven.

Expect extraordinary experiments, marvellous music, gallons of guts and pints of puke, and enjoy a complete and completely disgusting guide to the human body!

Mon 17 to Sat 22 Oct 2022

THE DA VINCI CODE The blockbuster story that captivated the world is now an epic stage thriller starring Nigel Harman.

The Da Vinci Code follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he travels from Paris to London to discover the truth behind a mysterious and bizarre murder. Later, he learns about a religious mystery protected by a secret society.

Based on the biggest-selling novel of this century, with over 100 million copies sold, this world premiere stage adaptation unlocks the secrets of The Da Vinci Code and uncovers the truth in the greatest thriller of the past 2000 years.

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THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS Trusts The Atlas Fund The Barnsbury Charitable Trust Doris Field Charitable Trust The Hugh Fraser Foundation The Mactaggart Third Fund Mr & Mrs J A Pye’s Charitable Settlement Oxford Theatre Guild The Still Point Fund The Thompson Family Charitable Trust University of Oxford College Members All Souls College Campion Hall Lincoln College St Hilda’s College The Queen’s College Pembroke College St Cross College as supported by a private donation Green Templeton College

Learning and Productions Support

12|16 Young Company Sponsors

Equipment and Technical Support

Building Support

OP Business Club

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze

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THANK YOU By coming to the Playhouse, you help to keep theatre thriving – thank you. As a charity we also rely on the generosity of friends, members and donors to put productions on stage, reach out to the local community and develop local artists. If you can, please consider making a gift so our work can continue to flourish in future. We appreciate donations of any size. For further information, contact development@oxfordplayhouse.com Friends of Oxford Playhouse Applause Rev Charlotte & Mr William Bannister-Parker Mr & Mrs David Barnett Danby and Sandy Bloch Prof Sir Clive & Lady Margaret Booth John P H Bradley Anthony W Budgen Alex Duncan & Felicity Bryan Marion Frostick Simon & Alison Jeffreys Keith McCullagh Elizabeth Paris Sue Staunton Timothy & Marion Stevenson Jens Tholstrup Dr Trudy Watt Ovation Prof Sir Richard and Lady Elizabeth Brook Debbie Dance Dr Sos Eltis Richard Gladstone John & Margaret Leighfield Prof & Mrs Colin Mayer Malcolm Osmundson John Parrott Anonymous

Standing Ovation Lucy Group Ltd. Edward & Anna Bernard David & Sue Jackson Anonymous Donors £250+: Mrs Diana Acland Mrs Louise Armstrong Ms Saphié Ashtiany Mr & Mrs Edward & Anna Bernard Professor Sir Richard and Lady Elizabeth Brook Sir & Lady Hugo Brunner Mr Brian Buchan Prof John Carey Mark Charter Mr Moss Cooper Dr Mark Crane Mr Keith Crawford Mrs Karen David Prof Paul Davies Dr Cecile Deer James Del Favero Mr Matthew Derbyshire Mr Richard and Mrs Felicity Dick Prof and Mrs Raymond and Sandra Dwek CBE Ms Liesl Elder

Dr Sos Eltis Mrs Kate Esiri Cllr. Dr James Fry Mr Richard Gladstone Mr Brian Griffiths Mr Guy Grimsley James Hammond Mr Nigel Harper Mr Simon Inch Dr Jane Jackson Mr Paul James Mrs Sarah Jones Mrs Sue Ledwith Mr John and Mrs Margaret Leighfield Kathryn Lewin Mr Greg Lovett Mr Jack Macpherson Mr Richard Morris-Adams Nicholsons Mr Malcolm Osmundson Dr Michael Peagram Mr André Ptaszynski Mr Steve Rumford The Schuster Charitable Trust Prof John Simons Mr Timothy & Mrs Marion Stevenson Mr Michael Tappin

Mr Jens Tholstrup Miss Alison Townsend Mr Alan Trinder Unknown Donors Mrs Joyce Wales Edward Whinney 00Productions

We would also like to thank our anonymous supporters, donors who have given less than £250 in the past year, and donors who have supported us in previous years whose names we are unable to list here but whose help makes such a difference at Oxford Playhouse.

Oxford Playhouse Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of its core funders:

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TICKETS AND DISCOUNTS All week-long professional company productions have an allocation of £10 tickets to ensure that everyone can experience our programme, but these seats may sell quickly. We always recommend that you book early to secure the best seats. To ensure the best experience for our audiences and performers, some seats are not offered for sale until the rows nearest the stage are full. If you have any specific access requirements please contact our Box Office, who will do their best to ensure you get the seat you require.

To exchange your tickets for another event you must inform the Box Office and the tickets must be returned so that the Box Office have the tickets in hand at least 24 hours (7 days for group bookings) prior to the advertised start time of the event.

Please note, tickets are non-refundable. If an event is sold out we can try to resell any unwanted tickets (on the day of the performance only), but resale is not guaranteed. Please let the Box Office know as soon as possible before the start of the event. We do not run advance waiting lists for sold out shows.

Discount Group

Ticket Price

Up to 50% off opening Available on up to two tickets, on either the night or Saturday opening night or the Saturday matinee, for almost matinees for week-long every production, for all Full Circle & Enjoy shows. Bonus discounts members. Membership starts from £50 a year. of 25% or 50% on most

For more information, visit shorter runs. www.oxfordplayhouse.com/membership

£5 tickets available in You must be aged 14 to 25 and a member of OPTin! advance for selected Membership costs £5. Join at the Box Office or visit shows, subject to www.oxfordplayhouse.com/membership availability.

Conditions

In Advance

£4 off each ticket. Available for most shows on full priced tickets of more than £10 for people 18 and under, Full Time University/College Students (must provide ID on collection), those in receipt of Universal Credit, NHS Staff and Equity members. No further discounts available. £11.50 tickets for students and under 18s are available for student shows, and must be booked by the Sunday before the show starts.

Access Users

£11.50 or £15 per ticket. Available for most shows for access facility users, wheelchair users and one companion.

Schools & Colleges

£11.50 or £15 per ticket plus one free teacher seat for every 10 seats booked.

An allocation of tickets is available Monday to Thursday for most shows. School tickets for Robin Hood are from £13.

Group Rate 10% off for groups of For all groups of 10 or more. Not available online,

10 or more and 20% for email boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com for group

groups of 40 or more. bookings. Payment must be made as one transaction.

(Available Mon to Thu

& Sat Matinee

performances only)

Over 60s Matinee £4 off the full price Limited number available to anyone over 60 for most

Thursday and Saturday matinee performances.

Must be booked before the week of the show.

Max 4 tickets per booking.

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BOOKING INFORMATION Seating Plan Possible limited view. Please call the Box Office for further information.

These seats can be removed to accommodate wheelchairs.

Please call the Box Office for further information.

Rows AA to C are sometimes removed for staging and are therefore not always available – please check with the Box Office when booking.

G23 G27

FIRST FLOOR

G5 G1

F27

F1

E27

E1

D27

D1

C27

C1

B27

B1

A27

A1

View from Row A, Circle

W22 W27

U23

U26

GROUND FLOOR

U18

U6 U7

U1

T27

T1

S27

S1

R26

R1

Q27

Q1

P26

P1

N27

N1

M26

M1

L27

L1

K26

K1

J27

J1

H26

View from Row K, Stalls

H1

G26

G2

F25

F3

E25

E4

D24

D5

C23

C6

B22

B7

A21 AA20

A8 AA9

View from Row A, Stalls

Conditions: All discounts are subject to availability and at the discretion of the Duty Box Office Manager and may not be available for all shows. Discounted tickets cannot be booked in conjunction with any other reductions or offers. Proof of status is required. Please note that not all discounts are available with online booking.

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USEFUL INFORMATION Our address Oxford Playhouse, Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LW Box Office: 01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 12noon until the start of the evening performance.

When there is no evening performance we close at 6pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays we are closed unless we have a performance scheduled, in which case we open two hours before the start. We open one hour before the start of morning performances.

Our foyer bar opens an hour before afternoon and evening performances, with the Kiosk and Circle Bar opening 45 minutes before performances.

How to get to us Park and Ride: Using one of Oxford’s five Park and Ride services is probably the easiest way to get around the city. For more information visit www.parkandride.net.

Car Parking: Nearby car parks include Gloucester Green (closest), Worcester Street, Abbey Place, Oxpens and Oxford Rail Station. There are on-street pay-and-display meters on Broad Street, St Giles and in Jericho.

Train: Oxford Rail Station is a 10 minute walk. For Oxford Parkway use the Park and Ride.

Bus and Coach: The main Bus and Coach Station is two minutes’ walk away on Gloucester Green.

Family Friendly Shows and activities designed especially for families, plus: Free booster seats.

Free toys and games in the circle bar.

Baby change on ground floor.

Babies are welcome to family shows for free. To book, please call the Box Office on 01865 305 305 or email boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com Lap tickets are available for children age 24 months or under for Mainstage shows and 12 months or under for BT Studio shows.

Picnic bags available for many family shows, so your little ones can enjoy lunch whilst watching the show. Book in advance.

Made in Oxford Shows which have been created here in the county.

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Access Read more about the access facilities available at the Playhouse on page 56.

Age guidelines Age guidelines are listed against as many events as possible. The suggested minimum ages are recommendations only based on potential content and information available at the time of printing. If you are booking tickets for other people you are to take responsibility for whether a show is appropriate for everyone within your party. If you would like any more details about any production, please contact the Box Office.

12+ May include themes of a more adult nature and/or occasional mild swearing.

14+ May include violent scenes, swearing, sexual innuendo and/or partial nudity.

16+ May include graphic scenes of violence, nudity, drugs imagery and/or prolific swearing.

18+ Content will contain scenes which may be disturbing and are unsuitable for children.

Stay in touch Be the first to find out what's happening at the Playhouse.

• Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

• Sign up to our weekly e-newsletter at www.oxfordplayhouse.com • Tell us what you think! We welcome all feedback, it's your theatre.

Email feedback@oxfordplayhouse.com Data Protection: Oxford Playhouse is committed to being transparent about the information we hold on our audiences and users and making sure it is safe. Oxford Playhouse Privacy Policy has been written with reference to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) law 2016, and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulation (PECR), 2003.

Please see www.oxfordplayhouse.com/privacy-policy/ for full information.

Look out for our next season...

May to September 2022 On sale March 2022

www.oxfordplayhouse.com Registered Company No. 2397373 • Registered Charity No. 900039 • VAT No. 282538973

Printed November 2021. All details correct at time of printing. Design: www.dnal.co.uk

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DIARY Date Day Production

Time(s)

Venue

Access

Page

November 16

Tue

Blue/Orange

7.30pm

Main Stage

3

17

Wed

Blue/Orange

7.30pm

Main Stage

3

18

Thu

Blue/Orange

7.30pm

Main Stage

3

19

Fri

Blue/Orange

7.30pm

Main Stage

3

20

Sat

Blue/Orange

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

2.30pm

3

27 Nov to Robin Hood Pantomime 9 Jan 22

Please check website for full schedule

Main Stage

4

9 to 31 Dec Home in Time for Christmas

Please check website for full schedule

BT Studio

7

Christmas

January 15

Sat

Oxfordshire Mind Comedy Gala

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

34

17

Mon

Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado

7.30pm

Main Stage

8

18

Tue

Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado

7.30pm

Main Stage

8

19

Wed

Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado

7.30pm

Main Stage

8

20

Thu

Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado

7.30pm

Main Stage

8

21

Fri

Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado

7.30pm

Main Stage

8

22

Sat

Stewart Lee: Snowflake/Tornado

7.30pm

Main Stage

8

25

Tue

The Dresser

7.30pm

Main Stage

11

26

Wed

The Dresser

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

11

2.30pm

7.30pm 27

Thu

The Dresser

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

11

28

Fri

The Dresser

8pm

Main Stage

11

29

Sat

The Dresser

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

11

February 2

Wed

Sweeney Todd

7.30pm

Main Stage

13

3

Thu

Sweeney Todd

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

13

4

Fri

Sweeney Todd

8pm

Main Stage

13

5

Sat

Sweeney Todd

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

13

7

Mon

Michael McIntyre: Work in Progress

8pm

Main Stage

Sold Out 34 Sold Out 34

2.30pm

8

Tue

Michael McIntyre: Work in Progress

8pm

Main Stage

10

Thu

Black is the Color of My Voice

7.30pm

Main Stage

9

21

Mon

When the Long Trick's Over

7.30pm

Main Stage

14

The Lucky Ones

Digital Stage

38

21 to 28 22

Tue

When the Long Trick's Over

7.30pm

Main Stage

14

23

Wed

When the Long Trick's Over

7.30pm

Main Stage

14

23

Wed

Oh No, George!

1.30pm & 3.30pm

Main Stage

15

24

Thu

Oh No, George!

10.30am & 1.30pm

Main Stage

15

17

March

66

1

Tue

Private Lives

7.30pm

Main Stage

2

Wed

Private Lives

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

3

Thu

Private Lives

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

01865 305305

7.30pm

17 17

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DIARY Date Day Production

Time(s)

Venue

Access

Page

March (cont) 4

Fri

Private Lives

8pm

Main Stage

5

Sat

Private Lives

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

8

Tue

Nicholas Nickleby

7.30pm

Main Stage

9

Wed Nicholas Nickleby

7.30pm

Main Stage

19

10

Thu

7.30pm

Main Stage

19

11

Fri

Nicholas Nickleby

8pm

Main Stage

19

12

Sat

Nicholas Nickleby

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

19

15

Tue

Mugabe, My Dad and Me

7.30pm

BT Studio

41

16

Wed BLKDOG

7.30pm

Main Stage

22

16

Wed Mugabe, My Dad and Me

7.30pm

BT Studio

41

17

Thu

BLKDOG

7.30pm

Main Stage

22

17

Thu

Mugabe, My Dad and Me

7.30pm

BT Studio

41

18

Fri

Reginald D Hunter: Bombe Shuffleur

8pm

Main Stage

34

18

Fri

Mugabe, My Dad and Me

7.30pm

BT Studio

41

19

Sat

Lost Voice Guy: Cerebral LOL-Sy

7.30pm

Main Stage & Digital Stage

35

19

Sat

Mugabe, My Dad and Me

7.30pm

BT Studio

41

23

Wed Private Peaceful

2pm & 7pm

Main Stage

21 21

Nicholas Nickleby

17

2.30pm 17 19

24

Thu

Private Peaceful

2pm & 7pm

7pm Main Stage

24

Thu

A Partnership

7.30pm

BT Studio

41

25

Fri

Private Peaceful

7pm

Main Stage

21

25

Fri

A Partnership

7.30pm

BT Studio

41

26

Sat

Private Peaceful

2pm & 7pm

Main Stage

26

Sat

2pm 21

Pinocchio

11am & 2pm

BT Studio

41

Craig Revel Horwood: The All Balls & Glitter Tour

7.30pm

Main Stage

35

28

Mon An Evening with Pam Ayres

7.30pm

Main Stage

35

29

Tue

The Wellspring

8pm

Main Stage

23

29

Tue

Stop Trying to be Fantastic

7.30pm

BT Studio

42

30

Wed The Wellspring

8pm

Main Stage

23

30

Wed Stop Trying to be Fantastic

7.30pm

BT Studio

42

31

Thu

My Car Plays Tapes

7.30pm

BT Studio

42

27 Sun

April 1

Fri

The Magic Flute

7pm

Main Stage

24

2

Sat

The Magic Flute: Mini Opera for Families

2.30pm

Main Stage

24

2

Sat

The Magic Flute

7pm

Main Stage

24

2

Sat

Oldilocks and the 3 Bears

11am, 2pm & 4pm

BT Studio

42

3

Sun

The Magic Flute

6pm

Main Stage

24

5

Tue

Nothing Happens (Twice)

7.30pm

BT Studio

43

6

Wed Everything I Didn't Say

7.30pm

BT Studio

43

7

Thu

The Wonderful World of Dissocia

7.30pm

Main Stage

27

7

Thu

Everything I Didn't Say

7.30pm

BT Studio

43

8

Fri

The Wonderful World of Dissocia

8pm

Main Stage

27

8

Fri

The Net Kill

7.30pm

BT Studio

43

9

Sat

The Wonderful World of Dissocia

7.30pm

Main Stage

27

9

Sat

The Net Kill

7.30pm

BT Studio

43

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DIARY Date Day Production

Time(s)

Venue

Access

Page

April (cont) 13 Wed Legally Blonde The Musical

7.30pm

Main Stage

29

13 Wed The Flower

2pm

BT Studio

44

14 Thu

Legally Blonde The Musical

7.30pm

Main Stage

29

14 Thu

The Flower

11am & 2pm

BT Studio

44

15 Fri

Legally Blonde The Musical

7.30pm

Main Stage

29

15 Fri

The Flower

11am & 2pm

BT Studio

44

16 Sat

Legally Blonde The Musical

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

29

16 Sat

The Flower

11am & 2pm

BT Studio

44

18 Mon The Flower

11am & 2pm

BT Studio

44

19 Tue

Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live

2pm

Main Stage

25

19 Tue

The Flower

11am & 2pm

BT Studio

44

20 Wed Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live

11am & 2pm

Main Stage

25

20 Wed The Flower

11am & 2pm

BT Studio

44

20 Wed England Expects

7.30pm

Digital Stage

39

21 Thu

11am & 2pm

Main Stage

25

Dragons and Mythical Beasts Live

21 Thu

The Flower

11am & 2pm

BT Studio

44

21 Thu

England Expects

7.30pm

Digital Stage

39

22 Fri

The Flower

11am & 2pm

BT Studio

44

22 Fri

England Expects

7.30pm

Digital Stage

39

23 Sat

Ed Gamble: Electric

7.30pm

Main Stage

23 Sat

The Flower

11am & 2pm

BT Studio

44

23 Sat

England Expects

7.30pm

Digital Stage

39

26 Tue

The Glee Club

7.30pm

Main Stage

31

27 Wed The Glee Club

7.30pm

Main Stage

31

28 Thu

The Glee Club

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

31

29 Fri

The Glee Club

8pm

Main Stage

31

30 Sat

The Glee Club

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

31

Paul Merton's Impro Chums

36

May 1

Sun

8pm

Main Stage

36

4

Wed Persuasion

7.30pm

Main Stage

33

5

Thu

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage 2.30pm

33

6

Fri Persuasion

8pm

Main Stage

33

7

Sat

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage

33

10 Tue Persuasion

7.30pm

Main Stage

33

11 Wed Persuasion

7.30pm

Main Stage

33

12 Thu

Persuasion Persuasion

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage 7.30pm

33

13 Fri Persuasion

Persuasion

8pm

Main Stage

33

14 Sat

2.30pm & 7.30pm

Main Stage 2.30pm

33

23 Mon Sandi Toksvig Live: Next Slide Please... 7.30pm

Main Stage

58

26 Thu

Kay's Anatomy Live

7pm

Main Stage

58

27 Fri

Kay's Anatomy Live

7pm

Main Stage

58

28 Sat

Kay's Anatomy Live

2.30pm & 7pm

Main Stage

58

Persuasion

R

68

01865 305305

See pages 56-57

See page 52

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Welcome ‘Thank you to the team at the Playhouse for saving the theatre for future generations (wonderful!).’

So said one of the thousands of audience members who have been in touch over the last year and a half, with words of support, kindness and hard cash. It is a testament to the very real affection felt for the Playhouse that 6760 people have donated to our Plays On campaign, launched days after our closure in March 2020. Everyone at the Playhouse was determined to survive somehow, but those early weeks and months before the merest whisper from government of the Culture Recovery Fund were very bleak. Your support and faith in the theatre kept us going. Thank you.

We saw the best of our team, with staff swiftly adapting to online and digital working.

Our very first livestreamed event reached over 1000 people and brought together Stephen Fry, Marcus Brigstocke and a host of talents to celebrate A Theatre Near You. Mindful of the devastating impact the pandemic had on the livelihoods of freelance artists, OP commissioned 6 new digital plays and joined a consortium of regional theatres to make original adaptations of The Picture of Dorian Gray and Going the Distance with a panoply of stars. While we’re delighted to be back in Sherwood Forest with Robin Hood and his Merry Band for panto, Christmas 2020 saw us stream 3 different family pieces, including a wonderful production of Father Christmas which was streamed for free to the Oxford Children’s Hospital and 46 primary schools in the city.

Here’s just some of the other things the Playhouse team worked on while we were closed: • 1800 children took part in our Primary Playmaker scheme which supports literacy work in local schools.

• 280 babies and toddlers sang along online to Hey Diddle Diddle.

#SmileWithOP

01865 305305

• 5000+ people watched our Playhouse at Home programme.

www.oxfordplayhouse.com

Oxford Playhouse

WHAT’S ON GUIDE SPRING 2022

November 2021 to May 2022

#SmileWithOP

01865 305305 www.oxfordplayhouse.com

#SmileWithOP